Punching and assembling device



Dec. 16, 1958 c. E. NovlNGl-:R ETAL 2,854,087

PUNCHING AND ASSEMBLING DEVICE 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. .'51, 1954 nml [z s Ill A/JNVENTORS @WA/6E@ RE F A/OVQA N M m L THVI .Fmi n OW n QQ' IIIIL Il N mw Nm om www.

H Trop/VFY Dec.' 16, 1958 c. E. NovlNGER ETAL 2,864,087

PUNCHING AND AssEMBLING DEVICE 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 51, 1954 NVENToRs C'fC/L E. A/ 77% H T TURA/E Y Dec. 16, 1958 c. E. NovlNGER ETAL 2,864,087

PUNCHING AND ASSEMBLING DEvxoE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 31. 1954 M Y P V E m50 N NGN P EN 0 Vw; w m0 H. Vg K/.Q @o D .uw C M 5H w CTW Dec. 16, 1958 c. E. NovlNGER ETAL 2,864,087

PUNCHING AND Assen/[BLING DEVICE 'Filed Aug. :51, 1954 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 WN Hummm N I -l f @NM /w Nm@ :I rl- M Qk\ w Qwwm www m wmf @m www u? X QQ QN d1 wwwsynb Moxxrl %Q\/ WSI u Wmx. QQ\ -l @l on( n www Q\\ mmm NWN TL/Eooom.: A/o W2K #W7-OPN@ Y Dec. 16, 1958 c. E. NovlNGER ErAL 2,864,087 l PUNCHING AND AssEMBLING DEVICE BY M l" m HTTOPNV Dec. 16, 1958 c. ENOVINGER ETAL 2,864,037

PUNCHING AND AssEMBLING DEVICE Filed Aug. 31, 1954 8 Sheets-Shea?l 6.

x NY INVENToRs CEc/L E. Nov/NGE@ Tz/Eopopg f- ,v01/HK BY L HTTOR/VEY Dec. 16, 1958 c. E. NovlNGr-:R ETAL 2,864,087

PuNcHING AND AssEMBLING DEVICE Filed Aug. 31, 1954 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 f/ZZ A TIE iE o NVENToRs (Ecm ovm/65E THEoDo/QE F. A/o M4K Dec. 16, 1958 c. E. NovlNGER ETAL 2,864,087

PuNcHmq AND AssEMBLING DEVICE Filed Aug. si, 1954 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 1 VENToRs CEc/L E. Agg

THEODOPE BY A TTOENEY PUNCHING AN D ASSEMBLING DEVICE Cecil E. Novinger, La Grange, and Theodore F. Novak,

lLa Grange Park, Ill., assignors to Danly Machine Specialties, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Our invention relates to hydraulic punches and more particularly to an automatic feed mechanism for rapidly and automatically feeding piece parts to be used as the punch.

In the manufacture of many types of machinery, it is desirable that piece parts which are to be mounted on a carrying member be punched through the carrying member so as to be retained thereon. ln any bladed turbine wheel and more particularly in gas turbines for turbo-jet engines, either impulse or reaction stages are used. Rotors of the stages may consist of a single ring carrying blades or of two concentric rings between which turbine blades or vanes are mounted to form appropriately shaped passages through which heated gases pass in doing work. The problem of mounting these blades or vanes on a ring or between the concentric rings is a diicult one because of the peculiar cross-sectional shape of the venes which are streamlined or formed with an airfoil cross section. Then too, the camber of the vanes may not be uniform, a construction which increases the difficulty of assembly. It has been suggested that one end of each of these vanes be formed with shear so that each may be punched through the mounting ring. When this procedure is followed, the vane conveniently acts as a punch and the necessity of first employing a separate punch to punch holes in which the vanes are then mounted is obviated. Heretofore, when the vanes have been formed with shear so that they may act as punches, they have had to be fed to the holding means on the punching assembly by hand because of their unusual shape and because many vanes are of varying camber, being overcambered at one end. It will be appreciated that this is a laborious and time-consuming operation. These vanes must, moreover, be disposed at the proper angle in the carrying ring. When the last vane or blade of a group forming a rotor is to be installed, the working room remaining is not sufficient to permit the entry of a large carrying assembly. That is, only enough space remains on the ring between the first blade installed and the next to last blade to permit the completion of the stage by the insertion of the last blade.

We have invented an automatic feed for a hydraulic punch which is adapted rapidly and automatically to feed piece parts to the holding means provided on the punching assembly. The piece parts themselves act as punches. Further, we provide an improved holding means for holding a part in a position where it may act as a punch. Our holding means is adapted to insert the last blade of a particular stage, without interfering with the blades on either side of the last blade.

One object of our invention is to provide an automatic feed for rapidly and automatically delivering piece parts, which are to act as punches, to the holding means provided in a punching assembly.

Another object of our invention is to provide an improved holding means for a hydraulic punch, which means nited States Patent ICC is arranged to hold a piece part in a position where it may act as a punch.

A further object of our invention is to provide an automatic feed and holding means for a hydraulic punch to permit the automatic formation of a turbine rotor.

Other and further objects of our invention will appear from the following description.

ln general, our invention contemplates the provision of an automatic feed for a hydraulic punch of the type in which a punching assembly carrying a piece part, such as a turbine rotor vane, turbine blade or the like, is moved toward a die button to drive the part through the work and thereby mount it on its carrying member which may, for example, be one of the rings of a turbine rotor assembly. Our automatic feed is carried by the punching assembly and includes a magazine for holding a number of piece parts such as turbine rotor vanes. A rotary feed drum mounted below the magazine is formed with means for removing the parts one by one from the magazine. The drum is stepped to move the parts successively to a position where they may be injected into a holding means provided on the punching assembly. This holding means includes a pair of slidable clamps and a pair of jaws operable to clamp a piece part in a position where it may act as a punch on the succeeding operation. A shutter block formed with a passage through which a piece part may pass is arranged in the holding means between the feeding drum and the clamps. Means are provided for actuating the clamps at the end of a punching stroke to unclamp the jaws and release the piece part which has been punched through and positioned in its carrying member. At the same time, the shutter block is moved to a position to permit the insertion of the next piece part between the jaws and the drum is stepped to position another piece part for insertion between the jaws. During the return-stroke of the assembly, the drum moves with the punching assembly and a Xed rod engages the positioned piece part to thrust it out of the drum and through the shutter block and insert it between the jaws. A means is provided to retract the fixed rod in relation to the shutter block in order that the shutter block may later shift sideways. When the next part has thus been inserted between the jaws at the end ofthe return stroke, means is provided for moving the clamps to a position where the piece part is clamped between the jaws. At the same time, the shutter block is shifted to a position to back up the newly inserted vane. The punching operation is then completed and the cycle repeated until the required number of piece parts have been punched into their carrying member. The arrangement of our holding means is such that when a turbine rotor is being assembled, the last vane or blade may readily be inserted without interference with the previously inserted vanes.

ln the accompanying drawings which form part of the instant specication and which are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

Figure l is a side elevation of a hydraulic punch including our automatic feed, with parts in section.

Figure 2 is a plan view of a hydraulic punch including our automatic feed, with parts broken away, viewed along the line 2 2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of our automatic feed, drawn on an enlarged scale, and taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a front elevation of our automatic feed, drawn on an enlarged scale and taken along the line 4 4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is asectional view of our automatic feed, drawn on an enlarged scale and taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a sectional View of our automatic feed, drawn on an enlarged scale and taken along the line 6--6 of Figure 3.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view, drawn on an enlarged scale, with parts in section.

Figure 8 is an end view of our automatic feed, drawn on an enlarged scale and taken along the line 8--8 of Figure 3.

Figure 9 is a sectional View of our automatic feed, drawn on an enlarged scale and taken along the line 9--9 of Figure 3.

Figure 10 is a sectional View of the clamping means of our automatic feed, drawn on an enlarged scale and taken along the line 10-10 of Figure l showing the clamps in clamping position.

Figure ll is a sectional View of the clamping means of our automatic feed, drawn on an enlarged scale and showing the jaws when unclamped.

Figure 12 is a sectional view of the clamping means of our automatic feed, drawn on an enlarged scale and taken along the line V12-12 of Figure 10.

Figure l13 is a fragmentary perspective view, drawn on an enlarged scale, with parts removed, showing the cooperation between the feed drum and clamping assembly of our automatic feed.

Figure 14 is a perspective View, similar to Figure 13, showing another stage of the cooperation between the feed drum and clamping assembly of our automatic feed.

More particularly referring now to Figures l and 2 of the drawings, the hydraulic punch on which our automatic feed is provided includes a ltable 10 formed with ways 12 in which we slidably mount a C-frame, indicated generally by the reference character 14. A first arm 16 of the frame 14 mounts the power piston 18 of the punch die button and stripper assembly, indicated generally by the reference character 20. The cylinder portion 22 of the assembly is mounted on ways 24 formed in an upward extension 26 of the table 10. It can be seen that the base of the C-frame 14 passes 'through an opening provided between extension 26 and the main table body 10. The assembly 20 includes a die button 28 'with which a piece part acting as a punch cooperates during a punching operation in a manner which will be described more fully hereinafter. The die button and stripper assembly 20 is described in detail in the copending application of Cecil E. Novinger and Otto Mueller, Serial No. 396,693. filed December 7, 1953, now VPatent No. 2,758,652, issued August 14, 1956.

The carrying member, which may be the outer ring 30 of a turbine rotor assembly in which vanes or blades 32 are to be mounted, is carried in a workholder` indicated generallv by the reference character 34. Workholder 34 includes an annular ring 36 and a clamping ring 38. The rotor ring 30 is clamped between ring 36 and ring 38 by means such as bolts 40. Ring 36 is xed by appropriate means to an assembly 42 supported on a ring bearing 44 carried by the extension 26. A ring gear 46 carried by any appropriate means on the assembly 42 is engaged by a gear 48 driven by the shaft 50 0f a speed reducing mechanism 52 carried by the table 10. A motor 54 supplied with hydraulic energy by hydraulic tubing 56 drives the speed reducing mechanism 52 to step ring 30 so that successive vanes 32 may be inserted therein at proper locations and spacing.

Referring now to Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5, the other arm 58 of the C-frame 14 supports a punch head casting, indicated generally by reference character 60, secured to arm 58 bv means such as bolts 61. The casting 60 is formed with a bore 62 which carries a cylindrical bushing 64 in which we rotatably mount a 'feed drum 66. Bushing 64 and drum 66 are retained within the bore 62 by a cover plate 68 xed tothe 'assembly '60 by appropriate means such as machine screws 70.

As can best be seen by reference to Figure 6, a bracket 72 tixed to the ltop of casting 60 by bolts 74 removably mounts a magazine 76 on the punching assembly. A pair of pins 78, extending outwardly from the sides of the magazine 76, cooperate with suitable slots provided in the sides of bracket 72 to hold magazine 76 in position with respect to the drum 66. Casting 60 is formed with a cavity 73 into which the lower end of magazine 76 extends. Cavity 73 provides a means by which magazine 76 may communicate with a number of longitudinal surface recesses 82 in drum 66. Magazine 76 carries a supply of piece parts such as turbine rotor blades or the like. The disposition of the magazine 76 with respect to the drum 66 is such that the lowest vane 32 in the magazine is in a position to be engaged by a shoulder of one of a number of longitudinal recesses provided on drum 66. A weight 84 disposed within the magazine 76 on top of the supply of vanes 32 urges the column downwardly so that the lowest vane is in engagement with a retaining ange 86 formed on the bottom of the magazine and extends into bore 62. The disposition of flange 86 is such that a vane 32 is engaged and carried out of the magazine by drum 66 when the drum is stepped. It is to be noted that the central portion of the drum is of reduced diameter. This reduced central portion of the drum permits it to rotate without interfering with bracket 86.

Referring again to Figures 4 and 5, the drum 66 is formed with a reduced portion 88 at its end adjacent the cover plate 68. This reduced portion 88 carries a segmental gear 90 which is retained thereon by the cover plate 68. Segmental gear 90 is formed with teeth 92 around a portion of its periphery for cooperation with a rack 94 supported on a bracket 96 by screws 98. This connection between bracket 96 and rack 94 is permitted by a slot in the plate 68. A plunger 102 of a hydraulic cylinder, indicated generally by the reference character 104, is mounted on bracket 96 yand retained Vthereon by a threaded end and a nut 100. Itis to be noted that bushing 64 is formed at one end with a radially extending annular flange 106. As can be seen by reference to Figure 5, flange 106 is provided with a slot 108 tangent to the inner circumference of bushing v64. Rack 94 rises up and down in this slot and engages teeth 92 to rotate segmental gear 90.

The reduced end portion 88 of the drum 66 vis provided with a diametrically extending bore 110 in which we dispose a hollow pawl pin 112. A spring 114 in the interior of bore 110 bears against the bottom o'f the bore 110 to urge pin 112 radially outwardly against Vthe inner surface vof the segmental gear 90 which is formed with ratchet teeth 116. The ratchet teeth 116 are adapted to engage pin 112 when the gear 90 is rotated by rack 94. For example, when rack 94 is driven upwardly from the position shown in Figure 5 by the action of the hydraulic cylinder 104, segmental gear 90 is driven in a counterclockwise direction so that one of its ratchet teeth 116 engages pin 112 to rotate drum 66 through one step in a counterclockwise direction. The number of teeth 116 is equal to the number of longitudinal recesses 32 in the drum 66. Consequently, each time the rack 94 moves upwardly a new vane 32 is positioned to be inserted in the clamping assembly to be described hereinafter. After the rack has been moved upwardly at the end of the punching stroke to position a new vane 32 for insertion into the clamping assembly, it remains in this position until the end of the return stroke at which time cylinder 104 is operated to move the'rack downwardly, as viewed in Figure 5, in a manner which will be described hereinafter. When rack 94 is thus moved downwardly, the inner surface of Vsegmental ygear 90, between a pair of ratchet teeth 116, merely rides over the top of pawl 112 to push it into recess 110 until the next succeeding ratchet tooth 116 passes the pawl 112. That is, ratchet 116 and pawl 112 permit the rack 94 to be reset or cocked without moving the drum 66. It is to be noted that segmental gear 90'is provided with Aan arcuate slot 1.18 adjacent the periphery thereof. Slot 118 provides a means by which the segmental gear 90 may be moved without interfering with a fixed pin 120, theaction of which will be described in detail hereinafter.

Referring now to Figures 3, 8 and 9, the end of bushing 64 remote from cover plate 68 is closed by a backing plate 122 fixed to the casting 60 by any appropriate means such as machine screws 124. This backing plate is pro vided with an opening 302 through which vanes pass when being inserted into the clamping assembly to be described hereinafter. A frame, including a pair of upstanding arms 126 and 128 joined at their lower ends as viewed in Figure 8 by a web of material forming a base 130, is secured to the backing plate 122 by appropriate means such as machine screws 132 securing a ange 134 on arm 126 to the plate 122 and by one of the machine screws 124 passing through a ange on the other arm 128. The base 130 is formed with a recess 136 in which we fix an upper clamp slide 138 by means of screws 141. The casting 60 is formed with a recess 140 facing the recess 136. The lower clamp slide 142 is xed in recess v148 by means of screws 144.

Referring now to Figures 8 to 12, we mount a righthand clamp 146 and a left-hand clamp 148 for sliding movement within the upper and lower clamp slides 138 and 142. Clamps 146 and 148, respectively, actuate a right-hand jaw 150 and a left-hand jaw 152 disposed between the slides. 1n order to prevent longitudinal movement of jaws 150 and 152 when the clamps 146 and 148 slide to clamping position, we provide a pair of guide blocks 154 and 156 disposed in respective transverse recesses 158 and 160 in the base of the lower clamp slide. As can be seen by reference to Figures 3 and 8, each of the blocks 154 and 156 engages respective recesses 161 and 163 in the right-hand and left-hand jaws 150 and 152. It will be appreciated that blocks 154 and 156 permit only transverse movement of the jaws 150 and 152 when the clamps 146 and 148 are moved to clamping position to be described hereinafter. We arrange a shutter block 170 between the clamps 146 and 148 behind jaws 150 and 152 as viewed in Figure 11.

Each of the respective clamps 146 and 148 is formed with a pair of cam surfaces 172 and 1'74 adapted to engage respective complementary surfaces on the side of the jaw associated with the particular clamp. When the clamps 146 and 148 move to the right, as viewed in Figures l0 and l1, surfaces 172 and 174 engage the jaws to cam the jaws together into clamping position, as shown in Figure 10. When clamps 146 and 148 are returned to the left, a vane clamped therebetween is released. In

order to ensure the release of a clamped vane, we provide springs 176, each bearing between a first recess 178 in jaw 151B and a second recess 180 in jaw 152. When the clamps 146 and 148 move to the left as viewed in Figure 11, springs 176 spread the jaws to release a clamped vane.

Shutter block 170 is formed with a bore 182 through which a vane passes during a feeding operation. When a punching operation is to be performed after a vane has been fed to the jaws 150 and 152, shutter block 170 is shifted to a position where the passage between the drum 66 and the opening between jaws 150 and 152 is closed and block 178 backs up the clamped vane. Each of the clamps 146 and 148 is formed with an addition-al cam surface 184 for cooperation with a corresponding surface on one of the respective sides of block 170. When clamps 146 and 148 are moved to the left, as viewed in Figure 10, the surface 184 of clamp 148 engages the corresponding surface on block 170 to move the block down to the position shown in Figure 1l. Surface 184 of clamp 146 has moved to a position permitting this downward movement of block 170. When in the position shown in Figure 11, the opening 182 of block 170 completes the passage from the supply drum 66 to the space between clamps 150 and 152 so that a new vane can be fed to the Y Vstub shafts 220 and 222.

clamps. At the end of a return stroke, clamps 146 and 148 are moved to the right by means to be described hereinafter. Surface 184 of clamp 146 engages the surface on block 170 to move the block upwardly to the position shown in Figure 10. Surface 184 of clamp 148 has moved to a position permitting this movement. In this position of the shutter block, it backs up the newly clamped vane which has been inserted between the jaws and closes the passage provided between the supply drum and the jaws.

Referring now to Figures 3 and l2, a positive Vstop 162 for vanes which have been inserted between the clamping jaws 150 and 152 is xedly mounted by suitable means in an opening 164 provided in the upper clamp slide 138. Each of a pair of spring loaded locators 186 is carried in one pair of recesses 188 and 190 in the respective bases of the jaws 150 and 152. Each of the locators is urged upwardly by a coil spring 192 disposed therein and bearing on the surface of the lower clamp slide 142. When a vane is inserted in the space between the jaws 150 and 152, it is positioned by the locators 186 which urge the vane into -a position where its upper surface engages the positive stop 162.

As can be seen by reference to Figures 3, 8 and 9, in order to provide a means for moving the clamps 146 and 148 forwardly to clamping position and rearwardly to unclamping position, we mount a U-shaped actuator 194 on -a pivot rod 196 carried in the arms 126 and 128. Actuator 194 has a pair of depending arms 198 and 208, which extend downwardly behind the web of metal forming base and which pass through respective slots 261 and 203 in upper clamp slide 138. The lower ends of the arms 198 and 200 are adapted, respectively, to engage in slots 202 and 204 formed by projections on the respective clamps 146 and 148. A hydraulic plunger, indicated generally by the reference character 206, provides a means for operating the actuator 194 to reciprocate thel clamps 146 and 148. The plunger shaft 208 associated with the cylinder 206 is threaded into a block or the like and held therein by a nut 212. Block 210 supports a rod 214 on the respective ends of which are pivotally mounted links 216 and 218. The respective links 216 and 218 are pivotally connected to arm-s 198 and 200 by It will readily be appreciated that as plunger shaft 208 moves to the right as viewed in Figure 3, links 216 and 218 will be pulled to. the right. These links, in turn, swing arms 216 and 218 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 3 to urge clamps 146 and 148 to the right as viewed in Figures l0 and 1l to clamp a piece part between jaws 150 and 152. When plunger shaft 208 moves to the left, the clamps 146 `and 148 are moved to unclamping position. This construction, provided bly block 210 and links 216 and 218, is necessary since the rotation of arms 198 and 200 about the fixed pivot 196 will result in an upward movement of all points along the length of the arms. If this connection were not provided, some of the parts would be unduly strained.

We have provided a fluid pressure lsystem for operating the cylinders 104 and 206. As can be seen by reference to Figure 4, we have provided a pair of conduits 224 and 226 running from a two-way valve of a type known in the art but not shown. This valve may be actuated by appropriate means to connect either of the conduits 224 or 226 to a source of fluid under pressure. A fitting 228 connects conduit 224 to a transverse duct 230 running through the base of casting 60. A fitting 232 connects duct 230 to a pipe 234 connected to one side of the uid pressure cylinder 104. Referring now to Figure l, a vertical duct 236 is connected between the duct 230 and fitting 238 which is connected to a pipe 240 running to one side of the hydraulic cylinder 206. It will be appreciated that the piping just described connects conduit 224 running from the two-Way valve to corresponding sides of the hydraulic cylinders 104 and 206. Referring again to Figure 4, conduit 226 is connected by a fitting 242 to a transverse duct 244. Duct 244 is connected by a fitting 246 to a pipe 248 running to the side of cylinder 104 remote from that to which pipe 234 is connected. As can be seen by reference to Figure l, a verticle duct 250 running from the duct 244 is connected by an elbow 252 to a pipe 254 running to a side of cylinder 206 remote from that to which pipe 240 is connected. It can be seen that this piping connects conduit 226 to corresponding ends of the cylinders 104 and 206, which ends are remote from those to kwhich conduit 224 is connected. When conduit 224 is under pressure, the plungers associated with respective cylinders 104 and 206 are actuated in one direction. When the two-way valve (not shown) is reversed and conduit 226 is under pressure, the plungers will be actuated in an opposite direction.

At the end of a punching stroke, the punch assembly control valve (not shown) is actuated to connect conduit 224 to a source of fluid under pressure and to connect conduit 226 to the exhaust. When this occurs,

plunger shaft 208 of cylinder 206 moves to the left as viewed in Figure 3 to unclamp jaws 150 and 152. At the same time plunger shaft 102 associated with cylinder 104 moves upwardly to drive rack 94 to rotate gear 90 and thereby step drum 66. As can be seen by reference to Figure 6, we mount a switch 256 on a bracket 258 fixed to a side of casting 60 by bolts 260. Switch 256 actuates the C-frame drive control valve (not shown) to initiate the return stroke of the C-frame. In order to actuate switch 256 we provide a plunger 262 slidably mounted in a bore 264 in the side of casting 60. Plunger 262 is housed by a nut 266. The plunger is formed with an annular shoulder 268 which engages a shoulder 270 in bore 264. Plunger 262 is urged by a spring 272 to extend through an opening in the wall of bushing 64. Spring 272 bears between shoulder 268 and nut 266. A reduced end portion 274 of plunger 262 extends through an axial bore in nut 266. It will be appreciated that as drum 66 is stepped, plunger 262 is engaged by the piece part which has been picked out of magazine 76 while the piece part is lodged in a recess 82 of drum 66 and the plunger 262 is moved to the left as viewed in Figure 6. When plunger 262 moves to the left its reduced end portion 274 engages and actuates the operating button 276 of switch 256. When so operated, switch 256 actuates the C-frame drive control valve (not shown) to initiate the return stroke of the C-frame.

During the return stroke of the C-frame, a vane carried by drum 66 is forced between the unclamped jaws 150 and 152. At the end of the return stroke means (not shown) actuates the punch assembly control valve to connect conduit 224 to the exhaust and to connect conduit 226 to a source of pressure. When this occurs, plunger shaftx102 of cylinder 104 is moved downwardly as viewed `in. Figure 4 to cock rack 94 for the next succeeding feeding operation of drum 66. The connection of conduit 226 to a source of pressure also lactuates hydraulic cylinder 206 to move plunger shaft 208 to the right as viewed in Figure 3 to move jaws 150 and 152 to positions where they clamp the newly inserted vane therebetween. As can best be seen by reference to Figure 3, we provide a switch 278 mounted on a bracket 280, secured to arms 126 and 128 by bolts 281, for actuating the C-frame drive control valve to initiate the punching stroke of the C-frame. We mount a finger 282 on block 210 by means of bolts 284. When plunger shaft 208 is moved to the right as viewed in Figure 3, it carries finger 282 to the right and an actuator 286, carried by the vupper end of the upwardly extending finger 282, operates the button 288 of switch 278. When switch 278 is thus operated, it actuates the C-frame drive control valve to initiate the punching stroke of the -C- frame. The vane is then carried toward the work and punched therethrough and the cycle'of operations is then repeated.

Rod 120 performs the function of holding a vane in a fixed position while C-frame arm and the drum and clamping assembly carried thereby moves to the left as viewed in Figure l during the return stroke of the press operation. By virtue of this action, at the end of the return stroke a vane is fed to a position between jaws 150 and 152 where it can be clamped. As can be seen by reference to Figure 6, the recesses 82 in supply drum '66 are formed with depressions 292 permitting the passage of the drum over this rod. For ease in construe` tion, and to provide access to drum 66 in the event vane becomes jammed in the mechanism, we employ a bushing insert 294 provided with a depression 296 along its inner surface to complete bushing 64. Both depressions 292 and 296 cooperate to permit the passage of the feed and clamping assembly over the rod 120. The remainder of the inner surface of bushing insert 294 completes the inner surface of bushing 64. Insert 294 is held in position by any appropriate means such as a stud bolt 298. It is .to be noted also that rod 120 may pass through an opening 300 in cover plate 68, through slot 118 in segmental gear 90, through the passage provided by depression 292 in one of the recesses 82 in the surface of drum 66 and by the depression 296 formed along the surface of the bushing insert 294, through an opening 302 in backing plate 122 and through the shutter block opening to force a vane between jaws 150 and 152.

As can be seen by reference to Figure 1, rod 120 extends to the left through a guide 304 carried on a anged bracket, indicated generally by the reference character 306 tixed on table 10 by any appropriate means such as welding or the like. A block 308 fixed on the end of rod 120 carries a pin 310 which engages the bifurcated upper end of a lever 312. Lever 312 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 313 carried by the bracket 306. Rod 313 is slidably mounted in the bracket 306 and in a guide member 320 carried by bracket 306. Disposed along the length of rod 318 is a block 316 which carries a transverse pin 314. The arrangement is such that block 316 is disposed within a slot formed along the length of lever 312, and pin 314 engages in openings in the slot sides to provide a loose pivotal connection between block 316 and lever 312. A spring 328 is disposed on rod 318 in a position to bear between the guide member 320 and the block 316. Spring 328 biases lever 312 to rotate in a clockwise direction about the shaft 313. The end of lever 312 remote from pin 310 is also bifurcated and surrounds the shank of a bolt 322 screwed into arm 58 and retained therein by a nut 324. The head 326 of bolt 322 limits the movement of lever 312 under the influence of spring 328 whenthe parts are in the position shown in Figure l. Casting 60 carries a pin or projection which is adapted to engage rod 318 in a manner which will be described hereinafter.

In describing the operation of the automatic feed, we will assume that the parts are at a point near the end of a punching stroke. This is the position of the parts shown in Figures l0 and 13. At the end of the punching stroke, the punching assembly control valve is reversed by means (not shown) to connect conduit 224 to a source of fluid under pressure. When conduit 224 is so connected, plunger shaft 208 moves to the left as viewed in Figure 3 and pivots actuator 194 about rod 196 to move the clamps 146 and 148 to the left as viewed in Figure l0 to unclamp jaws 150 and 152 to release the .vane which has just been punched through the work. Shutter block 170 is cammed laterally to a position where its opening 182 registers with the opening 302 in backing plate 122. At the same time, plunger shaft 102 of cylinder 104 Vmoves upwardly to drive gear 90 counterclockwise as viewed in Figure 5. One of the teeth 116 of-gear 90 engages pin 1'12 to drive drum 66 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figures 5 to 7. At this time -rod 120 is completely withdrawn from drum 66, as

will be explained hereinafter. A new vane is picked up by a shoulder 80 of drum 66 and moved to a position where it may be inserted between the released jaws 150 and 152. When drum 66 rotates to its new position, the vane carried by the recess 82 to a position where it may be inserted between the jaws moves plunger 262 to the left, as viewed in Figure 6, so that its reduced end portion 274 operates button 276 of switch 256. This operation of switch 256 actuates the C-frame drive control valve to initiate the return stroke of the Cframe.

At the end of the punching stroke, the parts associated with rod 120 are in the position shown in Figure l. As the C-frame moves to the left at the beginning of the return stroke, the head 326 of bolt 322 releases lever 312, and spring 328 pushes rod 128 to the right into the drum assembly. As the C-frame continues to move to the left, rod 12th passes through the drum assembly and through the opening 182 in the shutter block 17d. During the return stroke, the rod 120 engages the newly positioned vane and forces it between the jaws 151) and 152. In the course of this operation, rod 120 passes through hole 360 in cover plate 63, through the opening provided by passageways formed by depression 296 in bushing insert 294 and depression 292 in drum 66, through the opening 302 in backing plate 122, and through the shutter block opening to force the vane between jaws 151B and 152. At a point near the end of the return stroke, rod 120 contacts the jaws 156 and 152 to position a vane 32 in the jaws. This engagement pivots lever 312 in a counterclockwise direction about shaft 313 to load spring 328. During the terminal portio-n of the return movement of the C-frame the stop pin 330 on casting 60 engages rod 318 to move rod 1263 out of the shutter block opening. It will readily be appreciated that this engagement causes rod 120 to move more rapidly than the C-frame by virtue of the mechanical advantage provided by lever 312. As a result of this action, rod 120 is retracted from the shutter block opening 182 to permit the block 176 to be moved to back up the inserted vane 32 when the clamps 146 and 148 are moved to clamping position at the end of the return stroke.

At a point near the end of the return stroke the punch assembly control valve is actuated by means (not shown) to connect conduit 226 to a source of uid pressure and to connect conduit 224 to the exhaust. When this occurs, plunger shaft 162 moves downwardly to drive rack 94-.1 downwardly as viewed in Figure 5. This movement of rack 94 drives gear 96 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure and a tooth 116 rides over ratchet pin 112 to force the latter into the bore 110. It will be appreciated that rack 94 is then cocked and ready for the next succeeding operation. When conduit 226 is thus connected to a source of pressure, plunger shaft 208 ot cylinder 2tl6 is moved to the right, as viewed in Figure 3, and actuator 194 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction to move clamps 146 and 148 to a position where the newly inserted vane is clamped between jaws 150 and'. 152. In the course of this operation, shutter block 170 is moved laterally to a position where it backs up the newly inserted piece part. That is, its opening 182 doesl not register with the opening 302 in backing plate 122. This is the position of the parts shown in Figure l1. The movement of plunger shaft 208 to the right, as viewed in Figure 3, moves finger 282 so that its actuator 286i operates button 288 of switch 273 to operate the C-frame drive control valve (not shown) to initiate the punching stroke of the machine. When the C-frame begins its movement to the right as viewed in Figure 1 during the This'.y

1 action results in a lfurther movement of rod 120 to th left in relation to the C-frame. This ensures that the rod actually leaves the recess 82 in drum 66 so that the drum may be stepped to present a new vane for insertion between the jaws. During the punching stroke the vane is carried to the right, as viewed in Figures 1 and 2, and driven through the work to beA positioned therein. Owing to the elastic nature of the metal of the outer ring 30, forcing the vane or blade through the ring and positioning it as just described will result in the blade being firmly, rigidly, and autogenously clamped in position. The action is analagous to driving a nail into a piece of wood. At the end of the punching stroke, the cycle of operations is repeated.

The cycle of operation is repeated as each vane is driven through the work. Between operations the work is stepped around by the speed reducing mechanism 52 so that the vanes 32 are properly positioned on the ring 30, as can readily be seen by reference to Figure 2. When the final vane to complete a rotor is to be inserted, very little space remains between the last vane inserted and the first vane inserted. As can be seen by reference to Figure l2, however, the contour of the portion of the jaws and 152, which must extend between the first vane inserted and the next to nal vane, is such that the last vane may readily be inserted.

It will be seen that we have accomplished the objects of our invention. We have provided an automatic feed for punching presses which enables us rapidly and automatically to insert piece parts into a carrying member. Our apparatus is particularly adapted for use where a number of piece parts acting as punches are to be punched or driven through a carrying member. The arrangement of our apparatus is such that where a member such as the rotor of a turbine is being formed, the last vane may readily be inserted between the first vane inserted and the next to last Vane.

it will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of our claims. It is further obvious that various changes may be made in details within the scope of our claims without departing from the spirit of our invention. It will therefore be understood that our invention is not to be limited to the specic details shown and described.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim is:

l. A feed for a hydraulic punch for driving piece parts through a carrying member and positioning them therein including in combination a table, a support carried by said table for reciprocation with a punching stroke and a return stroke, clamping means carried by said support operable to clamp a piece part in a position where it may function as a punch, a magazine containing a supply of piece parts to be driven into said carrying member, means for mounting said magazine on said support, feeding means for removing a piece part from said magazine and for carrying the part to a position where it may be clamped in said clamping means.

2. A feed for a hydraulic punch for punching piece parts into a carrying member including in combination .a table, a support carried by said table for reciprocation in a punching stroke and a return stroke, a magazine `containing a supply of piece parts to be punched into the carrying member, means for mounting said magazine on the support, clamping means carried by said support and adapted to clamp a part in a position where it will :act as a punch, feeding means for removing a part from said magazine and conveying it to a position where it may be inserted into said clamping means and means for inserting a positined part into said clamping means during the return stroke of said support.

3. A feed for a hydraulic punch adapted to punch piece parts into a member in vwhich they are to be mounted including in combination a table, a support carried by said table for reciprocation in a punching stroke and a return stroke, amagazine containing a supply of piece parts to be punched into the work, clamping means carried by said support, said clamping means being operable to a clamping position and a release position, feeding means for removing a part from said magazine and conveying it to a position where it may be inserted into said clamping means, means for inserting a positioned part into said clamping means during the return stroke of said support, a first piston and cylinder assembly for alternately moving said clamping means to release position and to clamping position and a second piston and cylinder assembly for alternately advancing and returning said feeding means.

4. A feed for a hydraulic punch as in claim 3 including means for removably mounting said magazine on said support.

5. A feed for a hydraulic punch as in claim 3 wherein said clamping means includes a pair of jaws and means operated by said first piston and cylinder assembly for moving said jaws into clamping position.

6. A feed for a hydraulic punch as in claim 3 wherein said feeding means includes a drum formed with recesses for receiving piece parts from said magazine and means for rotatably mounting said drum in said support.

7. A feed for a hydraulic punch as in claim 3 wherein said inserting means is a rod and means for supporting said rod on said table, said rod engaging and holding a positioned piece part during the return stroke of said support whereby the positioned piece part passes out of said drum and into said clamping means.

8. A feed for a hydraulic punch adapted to punch piece parts into a member in which they are to be mounted including in combination a table, a support carried by said table for reciprocation in a punching stroke and a return stroke, a magazine containing a supply of piece parts to be punched into the work, clamping means carried by said support, said clamping means being operable to a clamping position and a release position, feeding means for removing a part from said magazine and conveying it to a position where it may be inserted into said clamping means, means for inserting a positioned part into said clamping means during the return stroke of said support, actuating means operable to move said clamping means to the release position and to advance said feeding means at the end of a punching stroke of said support, said actuating means being operable to move said clamping means to clamping position and returning said feeding means at the end of a punching stroke and a shutter block formed with an opening, said clamping means including a pair of jaws and means operated by said actuating means for moving said jaws into clamping position and means responsive to the movement of said jaws into clamping position for moving said shutter block to a position to back up an inserted piece part when said jaws are moved into clamping position.

9. A feed for a hydraulic punch adapted to punch piece parts into a member in which they are to be mounted including in combination a table, a support carried by said table for reciprocation in a punching stroke and a return stroke, a magazine containing a supply of piece parts to be punched into the work, clamping means carried by said support, said clamping means being operable to a clamping position and a release position, feeding means for removing a part from said magazine and conveying it to a position where it may be inserted into said clamping means, means for inserting a positioned part into said clamping means during the return stroke of said support and actuating means operable 4to move said clamping means to the'release position and to advance said feeding means at the end of a punching stroke of said support, said actuating means being operable to move said clamping means to clamping position and returning said feeding means at the end of a punching stroke, said clamping means including a pair of jaws, means for mounting said jaws for transverse movement on said support, a pair of clamps mounted for sliding movement on said support, said clamps adapted to engage said jaws to move them to clamping position, said actuating means including a cylinder, a piston associated with said cylinder and means operated by said piston for moving said clamps to move said jaws selectively to clamping position and release position.

l0. A -feed for a hydraulic punch adapted to punch piece parts into a member in which they are to be mounted including in combination a table, a support carried by said table for reciprocation in a punching stroke and a return stroke, a magazine containing a supply of piece parts to be punched into the work, clamping means carried by said support, said clamping means being operable to a clamping position and a release position, feeding means for removing a part from said magazine and conveying it to a position where it may be inserted into said clamping means, means for inserting a positioned part into said clamping means during the return stroke of said support and actuating means operable to move said clamping means to the release position and to advance said feeding means at the end of a punching stroke of said support, said actuating means being operable to move said clamping means-to clamping position and returning said feeding means at the end of a punching stroke, said feeding means including a drum, a pawl carried by said drum, a gear, a ratchet carried by said gear adapted when driven to engage said pawl to drive said drum, a rack for driving said gear, said actuating means including a cylinder and a piston connected to said rack.

ll. A feed for a hydraulic punch adapted to punch piece parts into a member in which they are to be mounted including in combination a table, a support carried by said table for reciprocation in a punching stroke and a return stroke, a magazine containing a supply of piece parts to be punched into the work, clamping means carried by said support, said clamping means being operable to a clamping position and a release position, feeding means for removing a part from said magazine and conveying it to a position where it may be inserted into said clamping means, means for inserting a positioned part into said clamping means during the return stroke of said support and actuating means operableto move said clamping means to the release position and to advance said feeding means at the end of a punching stroke of said support, said actuating means being operable to move said clamping means to clamping position and returning said feeding means at the end of a punching stroke, said actuating means including a first cylinder, a first piston for operating said clamping means, a second cylinder, a second piston for operating said feeding means, a lirst supply line connected to the respective first and second cylinders to drive the respective first and second pistons in one direction and a second supply line connected to respective first and second cylinders to drive the respective first and second pistons in a direction opposite to said first direction.

l2. A feed for a hydraulic punch adapted to punch piece parts into a member in which they are to be mounted including in combination a table, a support carried by said table for reciprocation in a punching stroke and a return stroke, a magazine containing a supply of piece parts to be punched into the work, clamping means carried by said support, said clamping means being operable to a clamping position and a release position, feeding means for removing a part from said magazine and conveying it to a position where it may be inserted into said clamping means, means for inserting a positioned part into said clamping means during the return stroke of said support and actuating means operable to move said clamping means to the release position and to advance said feeding means at the end of a punching stroke of said support, said actuating means being operable to move said clamping means to clamping position and returning said feeding means at the end of a punching stroke, said actuating means including a irst piston and cylinder assembly for operating said feeding means and a second piston and cylinder assembly for operating said clamping means, a rst control switch for initiating the return stroke of the support, said first piston being operable Vat the end of a punching stroke to operate said first control switch, and a second control switch for initiating the punching stroke ofthe support, said second piston being operable at the end of a return stroke to operate said second switch.

13. A feed for a hydraulic punch adapted to punch pieceparts into a member in which they are t0 be mounted including in combination a table, a support carried by said table for reciprocation in a punching stroke and a return stroke, a magazine containing a supply of piece parts to be punched into the work, clamping means carried by said support, said clamping means being operable to a clamping position and a release position, feeding means for removing a part from said magazine and conveying it to a position where it may be inserted into said clamping means, means for inserting a positioned part into said clamping me.-.ns during the return stroke of said support actuating means operable to move said clamping means to the release position and to advance said feeding means at the end of a punching stroke of said support, said actuating means being operable to move said clamping means to clamping position and returning said feeding means at the end of a punching stroke, said inserting means including a rod, means for supporting said rod on said table, means for moving said rod a predetermined distance int-o said magazine during the initial portion of said return stroke and means for moving said rod a predetermined distance out of said magazine during the terminal portion of said punching stroke.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,462,305 Snyder July 17, 1923 2,310,638 Hubbard Feb. 9, 1943 2,421,474 Alter June 3, 1947 

